Tracie Egan Morrissey

A recent study suggests that the drinking habits of parents influences the drinking habits of their underage kids. A survey found that 19% of children, whose parents consume more than the recommended amount of alcohol, had been drunk before. And 21% of those kids drink at least monthly.

While previous studies have established that kids who have parents—particularly mothers—who drink heavily, will grow up to be binge-drinking adults. This new study, however, conducted by the independent charity Drinkaware that polled 1,433 parents, shows that their relationship with booze has an immediate affect on their children aged 10 and 17.

Furthermore, the findings indicate that when it comes to drinking, parents—not peer pressure—have the biggest influence on their kids. Those who drink above the recommended amounts (which is 3-4 drinks for men, 2-3 drinks for women) tend to have a more relaxed attitude about underage drinking. They are also less likely to think that their drinking habits affect that of their kids and less likely to be aware that they are drinking above the unit guidelines. So basically, they're too drunk to notice how drunk they are and how drunk their kids are getting.